Unsettled Strikers Clash as Man City visit Newcastle

Strikers Andy Carroll and Carlos Tevez have been claiming the wrong kind of headlines in recent weeks, but both look set to start for their corresponding sides on Boxing Day.

Carroll, who is currently joint-second in the goal-scoring table so far this season with Tevez and Everton’s Tim Cahill, has been the victim of transfer rumours linking him away from Newcastle. Much like Tevez, Carroll’s season so far has been as much about his off-field antics rather than his on-field achievements; both managers will be hoping that their own striker pick up the Golden Boot come May.

Predictably, both Tevez and Carroll are the odds-on favourites to score in the match; the Newcastle man is priced at 7/5, whereas the Argentinian is currently at 11/10.

Man City missed the opportunity to go top of the Premier League on Monday after a deserved defeat to Everton; however they haven’t lost away from home since facing Wolves at the end of October and they already have a victory over the Magpies under their belts this season.

The Blues go into the match without Kolo Toure who was sent off in Monday’s match, with Micah Richards the favourite to replace him in defence. They also welcome back Nigel de Jong following his suspension. Adam Johnson, who scored the winner against Newcastle when the sides met two months ago, is likely to start on the bench, despite playing the second half against Everton.

New Newcastle boss Alan Pardew has both Fabricio Coloccini and Mike Williamson available for selection after suspensions, whilst veteran goalkeeper Steve Harper has recovered from his shoulder injury. Striker Shola Ameobi is a major doubt with a tight hamstring, and Sol Campbell could also miss out. 

The betting odds are currently favouring City, who will be hoping to bounce back to winning ways to put pressure on those teams around them. A convincing 2-0 victory is 10/1 online; with 9/2 available should both of those goals come in the second half.

Bet Highlight

Golden Boy trophy winner Mario Balotelli to score in a 2-1 City win is priced at an attractive 35/1.

Premier League 09/10:

n/a

Premier League 10/11:

Man City 2-1 Newcastle